was organized through a Facebook group.
By Camm Ashford
Ku Klux Klan fliers spreading hateful messages targeting immigrants appeared in Highland Park on Monday, Jan. 27, demanding recipients “Leave now” and “Self-deport.”
In response, 30-40 community volunteers organized a cleanup at Highland Park Commons on Saturday, Feb. 1. Wearing neon vests, they collected trash and discarded fliers, demonstrating community solidarity and rejection of hate.
According to Chattanooga Police Department (CPD), officers initially responded to reports from community members at 2000 Duncan Ave. around 9 p.m. on Jan. 27. Upon arrival, they collected the materials and spoke with residents alarmed by the divisive messages distributed in their neighborhood. The fliers were labeled with the name “Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.”
Police have identified the fliers as originating from a KKK group based in Kentucky, which has reportedly distributed similar materials in Chattanooga and surrounding cities, including Cleveland, Athens, Sweetwater, Knoxville, and others. Some fliers promoted membership in the group and invited recipients to an event in Kentucky.
City officials and local leaders have denounced the act. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly released a statement condemning the fliers and the ideology they represent.
“I want to make something absolutely clear–hate has no place in Chattanooga,” the mayor said, emphasizing that the city’s strength lies in its unity and diversity. He encouraged residents to assist in the investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod, whose constituents were directly affected, issued a strongly worded condemnation of the fliers.
“As a representative of Chattanooga District 9 and a steadfast advocate for justice and equality, I am horrified and infuriated by the repugnant fliers recently distributed in Highland Park,” she said. “These documents, steeped in racism and xenophobia, strike at the very heart of what we hold dear in our diverse communities. Please make no mistake, there is utterly no place for such vile hate-filled rhetoric in Chattanooga or anywhere else in our county.”
The Chattanooga News Chronicle tried calling the number on the fliers listed for the KKK “Realm of Kentucky,” (606) 301-8149, but was sent to voicemail and got this message: “You have reached the Realm of Kentucky’s Trinity White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. If you would like more information on becoming a member, send one dollar for postage to Post Office Box 72, Maysville, Kentucky, 41056. Come stand with us and help fight against illegal immigration, homosexuality, and every other form of wickedness and lawlessness. We hope to hear from you soon. You have a great White day,and White power. The mailbox is full and cannot accept any messages at this time. Goodbye.”
CPD is collecting evidence, including potential surveillance footage, to track the individuals responsible for disseminating the KKK fliers. They have encouraged anyone encountering similar propaganda to report it immediately at (423) 698-2525.
